A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between a user's device and the internet. It can be used to hide the user's IP address, access geographically restricted content, improve internet speed, or enhance online security and privacy. Proxies can be used for various purposes, such as web scraping, content filtering, and bypassing internet censorship. There are different types of proxies, including HTTP proxies, SOCKS proxies, and transparent proxies, each with its own unique characteristics and functionalities. Research in this area focuses on developing new proxy technologies, improving existing proxy systems, and analyzing the impact of proxies on internet usage and security.